Dam managers prepare for incoming storm in Northern California

Updated 4:47 pm, Saturday, February 18, 2017

Oroville Dam update

Media: San Francisco Chronicle

With forecasters predicting heavy rains at the end of the weekend, some reservoirs around Northern California were inching toward capacity as dam managers worked frantically to maintain safe water levels, officials said.

Near the Oroville Dam, an evacuation advisory was still in place as residents in the area were told to be on alert in case the incoming storms set Lake Oroville rising again, said Capt. Dan Olson with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and acting spokesman on the spillway incident.

“We just ask folks to have a little more heightened sense of what’s going on, and if they stay ready then they don’t have to get ready,” Olson said of potential evacuations.

Photo: Max Whittaker/Prime, Special To The Chronicle

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A hole was torn in the spillway of the Oroville Dam while releasing approximately 60,000 cubic-feet-second of water in advance of more rain on February 7, 2017 in Oroville, California.

A hole was torn in the spillway of the Oroville Dam while releasing approximately 60,000 cubic-feet-second of water in advance of more rain on February 7, 2017 in Oroville, California.

In this Aug. 23, 2016, satellite image released by DigitalGlobe and taken by DigitalGlobe's WorldView-2 satellite shows an overview of the Oroville Dam in Oroville, Calif. On Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017, thousands of people were evacuated from counties downstream of the nation's tallest dam amid concerns the spillway could fail and send water roaring downstream. less

In this Aug. 23, 2016, satellite image released by DigitalGlobe and taken by DigitalGlobe's WorldView-2 satellite shows an overview of the Oroville Dam in Oroville, Calif. On Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017, thousands of ... more

Photo: WorldView-2, HONS

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This photo taken Monday, Feb. 13, 2017, shows erosion caused when overflow water cascaded down the emergency spillway, right, of the Oroville Dam in Oroville, Calif. Water flowed over the emergency spillway Sunday morning when Lake Oroville reached capacity, and engineers determined the hillside was eroding faster then expected, undermining the concrete wall. Officials fearing it was about to collapse ordered thousands of residents downstream to evacuate. less

This photo taken Monday, Feb. 13, 2017, shows erosion caused when overflow water cascaded down the emergency spillway, right, of the Oroville Dam in Oroville, Calif. Water flowed over the emergency spillway ... more

Photo: Rich Pedroncelli, Associated Press

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The Oroville Dam spillway releases 100,000 cubic feet of water per second down the main spillway in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of Sacramento, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area.

The Oroville Dam spillway releases 100,000 cubic feet of water per second down the main spillway in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern

A helicopter carries a bag of rocks to dump on the erosion-damaged soil below the emergency spillway of the Oroville Dam on February 13, 2017 in Oroville, California. Almost 200,000 people were ordered to evacuate the northern California town after a hole in the emergency spillway in the Oroville Dam threatened to flood the surrounding area.

A helicopter carries a bag of rocks to dump on the erosion-damaged soil below the emergency spillway of the Oroville Dam on February 13, 2017 in Oroville, California. Almost 200,000 people were ordered to

Riverbend Park is seen under flood water in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles north of Sacramento, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area.

Riverbend Park is seen under flood water in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at

Riverbend Park is seen under flood water in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of San Francisco, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area. / AFP PHOTO / Josh EdelsonJOSH EDELSON/AFP/Getty Images less

Riverbend Park is seen under flood water in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at ... more

Photo: JOSH EDELSON, AFP/Getty Images

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A bathroom building is seen partially submerged in flowing water at Riverbend Park in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of San Francisco, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area. less

A bathroom building is seen partially submerged in flowing water at Riverbend Park in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday ... more

Photo: JOSH EDELSON, AFP/Getty Images

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A playground is seen submerged in flowing water at Riverbend Park as the Oroville Dam releases water down the spillway in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of San Francisco, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area. / AFP PHOTO / Josh EdelsonJOSH EDELSON/AFP/Getty Images less

A playground is seen submerged in flowing water at Riverbend Park as the Oroville Dam releases water down the spillway in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation ... more

Photo: JOSH EDELSON, AFP/Getty Images

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This aerial view shows submerged trucks and farm equipment in flowing water in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of San Francisco, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area. / AFP PHOTO / Josh EdelsonJOSH EDELSON/AFP/Getty Images less

This aerial view shows submerged trucks and farm equipment in flowing water in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a ... more

Photo: JOSH EDELSON, AFP/Getty Images

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A home is seen marooned as the surrounding property is submerged in flood water in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of San Francisco, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area. less

A home is seen marooned as the surrounding property is submerged in flood water in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday ... more

Workers move boulders to aid and repair the emergency spillway of the Oroville Dam on Monday, Feb. 13, 2017 in Oroville, Calif. Nearly 200,000 people downriver from Lake Oroville were ordered to evacuate Sunday night, after an emergency spillway next to the reservoirs dam appeared in danger of collapse. less

Workers move boulders to aid and repair the emergency spillway of the Oroville Dam on Monday, Feb. 13, 2017 in Oroville, Calif. Nearly 200,000 people downriver from Lake Oroville were ordered to evacuate Sunday ... more

Evacuee Shirley Baker, of Oroville, Calif., consoles her great-granddaughter Rylee Rhodes at the evacuation center at Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, Calif., on Monday. MUST CREDIT: Photo for The Washington Post by Stephen Lam less

Evacuee Shirley Baker, of Oroville, Calif., consoles her great-granddaughter Rylee Rhodes at the evacuation center at Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, Calif., on Monday. MUST CREDIT: Photo for The Washington ... more

Photo: Stephen Lam, For The Washington Post

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Sonya Warrick, of Oroville, Calif., rests at a shelter for evacuees from cities surrounding the Oroville Dam, Monday, Feb. 13, 2017, in Chico, Calif. The thousands of people who were ordered to leave their homes after a damaged California spillway threatened to unleash a 30-foot wall of water may not be able to return until significant erosion is repaired, authorities said Monday. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) less

Sonya Warrick, of Oroville, Calif., rests at a shelter for evacuees from cities surrounding the Oroville Dam, Monday, Feb. 13, 2017, in Chico, Calif. The thousands of people who were ordered to leave their ... more

Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez, Associated Press

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Jace Duran, 4, of Oroville, Calif., at left, waits in line for a meal at a shelter for evacuees from cities surrounding the Oroville Dam, Monday, Feb. 13, 2017, in Chico, Calif. The thousands of people who were ordered to leave their homes after a damaged California spillway threatened to unleash a 30-foot wall of water may not be able to return until significant erosion is repaired, authorities said Monday. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) less

Jace Duran, 4, of Oroville, Calif., at left, waits in line for a meal at a shelter for evacuees from cities surrounding the Oroville Dam, Monday, Feb. 13, 2017, in Chico, Calif. The thousands of people who were ... more

Police officers confer as the Oroville Dam releases water down a spillway as an emergency measure in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of San Francisco, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area. less

Police officers confer as the Oroville Dam releases water down a spillway as an emergency measure in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern ... more

Photo: JOSH EDELSON, AFP/Getty Images

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A farm is seen partially submerged in flood water near Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of San Francisco, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area. less

A farm is seen partially submerged in flood water near Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic ... more

Photo: JOSH EDELSON, AFP/Getty Images

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A swing is seen partially submerged in flowing water at Riverbend Park in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of San Francisco, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area. less

A swing is seen partially submerged in flowing water at Riverbend Park in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a ... more

Photo: JOSH EDELSON, AFP/Getty Images

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Water rushes at the Feather River Fish Hatchery in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of San Francisco, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area. less

Water rushes at the Feather River Fish Hatchery in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic ... more

Workers move boulders to aid and repair the emergency spillway of the Oroville Dam on Monday, Feb. 13, 2017 in Oroville, Calif. Nearly 200,000 people downriver from Lake Oroville were ordered to evacuate Sunday night, after an emergency spillway next to the reservoirs dam appeared in danger of collapse. less

Workers move boulders to aid and repair the emergency spillway of the Oroville Dam on Monday, Feb. 13, 2017 in Oroville, Calif. Nearly 200,000 people downriver from Lake Oroville were ordered to evacuate Sunday ... more

Officials investigate the emergency spillway of the Oroville Dam for damage on Monday, Feb. 13, 2017 in Oroville, Calif. Nearly 200,000 people downriver from Lake Oroville were ordered to evacuate Sunday night, after an emergency spillway next to the reservoirs dam appeared in danger of collapse. less

Officials investigate the emergency spillway of the Oroville Dam for damage on Monday, Feb. 13, 2017 in Oroville, Calif. Nearly 200,000 people downriver from Lake Oroville were ordered to evacuate Sunday night, ... more

In this handout provided by the California Department of Water Resources (pixel.water.ca.gov), the Lake Oroville spillway flows late Thursday afternoon as 35,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water was released over the damaged spillway February 9, 2017 in Oroville, California. Almost 200,000 people were ordered to evacuate the northern California town after a hole in an emergency spillway in the Oroville Dam threatened to flood the surrounding area. (Photo by Kelly M. Grow/ California Department of Water Resources via Getty Images) less

In this handout provided by the California Department of Water Resources (pixel.water.ca.gov), the Lake Oroville spillway flows late Thursday afternoon as 35,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water was ... more

The Oroville Dam on Monday, Feb. 13, 2017 in Oroville, Calif. Nearly 200,000 people downriver from Lake Oroville were ordered to evacuate Sunday night, after an emergency spillway next to the reservoirs dam appeared in danger of collapse. less

The Oroville Dam on Monday, Feb. 13, 2017 in Oroville, Calif. Nearly 200,000 people downriver from Lake Oroville were ordered to evacuate Sunday night, after an emergency spillway next to the reservoirs dam ... more

The Oroville Dam on Monday, Feb. 13, 2017 in Oroville, Calif. Nearly 200,000 people downriver from Lake Oroville were ordered to evacuate Sunday night, after an emergency spillway next to the reservoirs dam appeared in danger of collapse. less

The Oroville Dam on Monday, Feb. 13, 2017 in Oroville, Calif. Nearly 200,000 people downriver from Lake Oroville were ordered to evacuate Sunday night, after an emergency spillway next to the reservoirs dam ... more

Officials walk past the Oroville Dam after investigating it for damage on Monday, Feb. 13, 2017 in Oroville, Calif. Nearly 200,000 people downriver from Lake Oroville were ordered to evacuate Sunday night, after an emergency spillway next to the reservoirs dam appeared in danger of collapse. less

Officials walk past the Oroville Dam after investigating it for damage on Monday, Feb. 13, 2017 in Oroville, Calif. Nearly 200,000 people downriver from Lake Oroville were ordered to evacuate Sunday night, ... more

In this nighttime photo using a long exposure, the main spillway of Oroville Dam shows the increased release flow of 100,000 cubic feet per second of water in an attempt to lower the level of the lake after area residents were evacuated following fears that erosion near the auxiliary spillway at Oroville Dam would cause it to fail in Oroville, Calif., on Monday, February 13, 2017. The California Department of Water Resources increased the release from the main spillway to 100,000 cubic feet per second to lower the level of the lake and prevent further damage to the auxiliary spillway. less

In this nighttime photo using a long exposure, the main spillway of Oroville Dam shows the increased release flow of 100,000 cubic feet per second of water in an attempt to lower the level of the lake after ... more

In this nighttime photo using a long exposure, the main spillway of Oroville Dam shows the increased release flow of 100,000 cubic feet per second of water in an attempt to lower the level of the lake after area residents were evacuated following fears that erosion near the auxiliary spillway at Oroville Dam would cause it to fail in Oroville, Calif., on Monday, February 13, 2017. The California Department of Water Resources increased the release from the main spillway to 100,000 cubic feet per second to lower the level of the lake and prevent further damage to the auxiliary spillway. less

In this nighttime photo using a long exposure, the main spillway of Oroville Dam shows the increased release flow of 100,000 cubic feet per second of water in an attempt to lower the level of the lake after ... more

Oroville resident Georgia Villaflor checks news updates on her laptop with her dog Precious in her car outside the evacuation center at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, California on February 12, 2017. Pets aren't allowed in the evacuation center, so many pet owners stayed in their cars in the parking lot. less

Oroville resident Georgia Villaflor checks news updates on her laptop with her dog Precious in her car outside the evacuation center at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, California on February 12, 2017. ... more

James Fontes picks up his friend John Bost's dog, Loki, as thousands of residents evacuated the city following fears that erosion near the auxiliary spillway at Oroville Dam would cause it to fail in Oroville, Calif., on Sunday, February 12, 2017. The California Department of Water Resources increased the release from the main spillway to 100,000 cubic feet per second to lower the level of the lake and prevent further damage to the auxiliary spillway. less

James Fontes picks up his friend John Bost's dog, Loki, as thousands of residents evacuated the city following fears that erosion near the auxiliary spillway at Oroville Dam would cause it to fail in Oroville, ... more

Vehicles line up on Highway 162 as thousands of residents evacuated the city following fears that erosion near the auxiliary spillway at Oroville Dam would cause it to fail in Oroville, Calif., on Sunday, February 12, 2017. The California Department of Water Resources increased the release from the main spillway to 100,000 cubic feet per second to lower the level of the lake and prevent further damage to the auxiliary spillway. less

Vehicles line up on Highway 162 as thousands of residents evacuated the city following fears that erosion near the auxiliary spillway at Oroville Dam would cause it to fail in Oroville, Calif., on Sunday, ... more

The McCaskill family of Oroville waits for more pizza to arrive outside the evacuation center at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, Calif., on February 12, 2017.

The McCaskill family of Oroville waits for more pizza to arrive outside the evacuation center at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, Calif., on February 12, 2017.

Photo: Max Whittaker/Prime, Special To The Chronicle

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Oroville families set up camp outside the evacuation center at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, Calif., on February 12, 2017.

Oroville families set up camp outside the evacuation center at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, Calif., on February 12, 2017.

Photo: Max Whittaker/Prime, Special To The Chronicle

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From left, Oroville residents Georgia Robert King, Jerry Lee Huggins and Anna Gibson sleep outside the evacuation center at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, Calif., on February 12, 2017. Pets aren't allowed in the evacuation center, so many pet owners stayed in their cars in the parking lot. less

Oroville residents try to listen in to a press conference after over 100,00 area residents were evacuated following fears that erosion near the auxiliary spillway at Oroville Dam would cause it to fail in Oroville, Calif., on Sunday, February 12, 2017. The California Department of Water Resources increased the release from the main spillway to 100,000 cubic feet per second to lower the level of the lake and prevent further damage to the auxiliary spillway. less

Oroville residents try to listen in to a press conference after over 100,00 area residents were evacuated following fears that erosion near the auxiliary spillway at Oroville Dam would cause it to fail in ... more

Mike Smith, a public imformation officer with CalFire, fills in residents at the Lake Oroville Visitors Center with details of Oroville dam after thousands of residents evacuated the city following fears that erosion near the auxiliary spillway at Oroville Dam would cause it to fail in Oroville, Calif., on Sunday, February 12, 2017. The California Department of Water Resources increased the release from the main spillway to 100,000 cubic feet per second to lower the level of the lake and prevent further damage to the auxiliary spillway. less

Mike Smith, a public imformation officer with CalFire, fills in residents at the Lake Oroville Visitors Center with details of Oroville dam after thousands of residents evacuated the city following fears that ... more

Brayden Fontaine-Ross, 3, of Oroville, plays in his parents car outside the evacuation center at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, Calif.,on February 12, 2017.

Brayden Fontaine-Ross, 3, of Oroville, plays in his parents car outside the evacuation center at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, Calif.,on February 12, 2017.

Photo: Max Whittaker/Prime, Special To The Chronicle

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Gridley resident Shari Mota, right, tries to get her children to go to sleep in the evacuation center at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, Calif., on Feb. 12, 2017.

Gridley resident Shari Mota, right, tries to get her children to go to sleep in the evacuation center at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, Calif., on Feb. 12, 2017.

Photo: Max Whittaker/Prime, Special To The Chronicle

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The emergency spillway at the Oroville Dam is seen on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017.

The emergency spillway at the Oroville Dam is seen on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017.

Photo: KCRA

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In this Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, water flows down Oroville Dam's main spillway, near Oroville, Calif.

In this Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, water flows down Oroville Dam's main spillway, near Oroville, Calif.

Photo: Rich Pedroncelli, Associated Press

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The California Department of Water Resources has suspended flows from the Oroville Dam spillway after a concrete section eroded on the middle section of the spillway. There is no anticipated threat to the dam or the public. DWR engineers are assessing the options to repair the spillway and control the reservoir water level. The Butte County facility is the tallest dam in the United States at 770 feet and is a key part of the State Water Project. Photo taken February 7, 2017. Kelly M. Grow/ California Department of Water Resources less

The California Department of Water Resources has suspended flows from the Oroville Dam spillway after a concrete section eroded on the middle section of the spillway. There is no anticipated threat to the dam ... more

An excavator moves dirt and rocks to level off an area along the banks of the Feather River to creat a road for other heave equipment that will be used to clear debris from the river as thousands of gallons of water rush over the auxiliary spillway at Oroville Dam in Oroville, Calif., on Sunday, February 12, 2017. The California Department of Water Resources is now working to remove debris from the river so water flow down the Feather River doesn't impede the hydroelectric generation at the dam. less

An excavator moves dirt and rocks to level off an area along the banks of the Feather River to creat a road for other heave equipment that will be used to clear debris from the river as thousands of gallons of ... more

Workers with the California Department of Water Resources plan out the location of a road along the Feather River's edge to bring down heavy equipment to remove debris as thousands of gallons of water rush over the auxiliary spillway at Oroville Dam in Oroville, Calif., on Sunday, February 12, 2017. less

Workers with the California Department of Water Resources plan out the location of a road along the Feather River's edge to bring down heavy equipment to remove debris as thousands of gallons of water rush over ... more

James Fontes hands his friend John Bost, left, his dog, Loki, as thousands of residents evacuated the city following fears that erosion near the auxiliary spillway at Oroville Dam would cause it to fail in Oroville, Calif., on Sunday, February 12, 2017. less

James Fontes hands his friend John Bost, left, his dog, Loki, as thousands of residents evacuated the city following fears that erosion near the auxiliary spillway at Oroville Dam would cause it to fail in ... more

In this Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, photo, water flows down Oroville Dam's main spillway, in Oroville, Calif. Officials have ordered residents near the Oroville Dam in Northern California to evacuate the area Sunday, Feb. 12, saying a "hazardous situation is developing" after an emergency spillway severely eroded. less

In this Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, photo, water flows down Oroville Dam's main spillway, in Oroville, Calif. Officials have ordered residents near the Oroville Dam in Northern California to evacuate the area ... more

Photo: Rich Pedroncelli, Associated Press

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The Oroville Dam spillway is seen in a photo taken Feb. 9, 2017.

The Oroville Dam spillway is seen in a photo taken Feb. 9, 2017.

Photo: Kelly M. Grow/California Department Of Water Resources

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As stormwater poured into the rising Lake Oroville Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, the state continued to cautiously continue released down the reservoirs damaged spillway.

As stormwater poured into the rising Lake Oroville Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, the state continued to cautiously continue released down the reservoirs damaged spillway.

Water from the nearby Feather River floods the Marysville Cemetery Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, in Marysville, Calif. Days of rain has caused rivers to overflow their banks and forced the first use of the emergency spillway at Oroville Dam. less

Water from the nearby Feather River floods the Marysville Cemetery Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, in Marysville, Calif. Days of rain has caused rivers to overflow their banks and forced the first use of the emergency ... more

(l to r top) Cody Leonard, Omar Jimenez and Anthony Lombardi along with Larissa Vanderlinde transport nets full of young Chinook Salmon out of the muddy waters at the Oroville Hatchery on Friday, Feb. 10, 2017., in Oroville, Calif. less

(l to r top) Cody Leonard, Omar Jimenez and Anthony Lombardi along with Larissa Vanderlinde transport nets full of young Chinook Salmon out of the muddy waters at the Oroville Hatchery on Friday, Feb. 10, ... more

The inflow of water into the reservoir was about 36,700 cubic feet per second as of noon Saturday. The inflow had jumped over 20,000 cubic feet per second since midday Friday. The outflow over the spillway was just below 70,000 cubic feet per second.

The reservoir’s level stood 45 feet lower than the level during the emergency on Feb. 12, when the overflow damaged the emergency auxiliary spillway forcing about 200,000 people to flee due to fears that the spillway could collapse.

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“This is a significant storm, and it’s a strong atmospheric river storm. We are seeing a lot of runoff whenever these storms come. Be ready for this thing,” said Bill Rafch, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

In Santa Clara County, the Anderson Dam was at capacity for the first time in nearly 11 years.

“We are getting more (water) coming in still than what’s coming out,” said Marty Grimes, a spokesman for the Santa Clara Valley Water District, adding that the water is about 6 inches over the top of the spillway and the incoming storm could bring more.

Despite the overflow, Grimes said the dam was inspected last year, and he doesn’t anticipate any problems with the use of the spillway.

The Don Pedro Reservoir in the San Joaquin Valley may have to use its spillway as the Tuolumne River continues to rise dangerously close to the maximum.

As of 10 a.m. Saturday, the elevation of the reservoir was about 826 feet above sea level, about 3½ feet below the spillway, said Herb Smart, a spokesman for the Turlock Irrigation District.

Should water levels continue to rise during the storm, Smart said the dam has three 45-foot-wide gates that will be opened to allow water to flow into the spillway.

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